Description: Old cobalt blue jasper dip oval stoneware match box / vesta safe, with contrasting white Neo-classical appliqué tableaux on the top and sides, made by Wedgwood, pre-1820. The lid interior is incised with a series of parallel lines to act as a match strike surface.
Dimensions: 3 ⅞” long x 2” wide x 1 ⅛” high
Markings: impressed with early curved WEDGWOOD mark
The central grouping, on the lid, is possibly a variation of a cupid market, a theme made popular during this period with the discovery of the original in Pompeii. The cupid market tableau is found on early boxes that include this alternate scene as the central feature, commonly referred to as “grouping with cage.” This is flanked by two florets and a rose garland border. Each end of the main body is decorated with a cheerful grouping of Putti (one shows a dog sleeping by four Putti dancing to a Putto playing a wind instrument; the other shows one Putti near a tree reaching towards another walking a dog). These are separated along the long edge with foliates and flower medallions.
Condition: Excellent Antique Condition – no damage, no repair.
